Perfect September weather after a few days of much needed rain. The streets and allies of the historical centre were freshly washed and shining in the sun. We arrived early, a pleasure to wander in these ancient streets walking past conquistador palaces and churches full of treasures.
Our aim today was to visit the Helga de Alvear foundation exhibiting a good chunk of her private art collection. It's boasted as one of the best private contemporary art collections in Europe, I would say that is possibly true if contemporary means works created by artists within the last 50 years and concentrating more on installations and conceptional art, otherwise I can think of many more diverse and fascinating collections e.g. the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice.
Inaugurated in February 2021, the venue is a building designed by Tuñón Arquitectos with more than 3,000 square metres of exhibition space. Inside, it presents a selection of around 200 works, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, video art, drawings and installations, by more than 100 international artists from the Helga de Alvear collection, with a special emphasis on Spanish, European and American artists.The semi-permanent exhibition allows the public to explore works by Picasso, Louise Bourgeois, Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Robert Motherwell, Gordillo, Campano, Carmen Laffón, Tàpies, and Ai Weiwei, among other important figures in contemporary art. Within the Spanish element Picasso is represented by one small still life sketch enshrined in its own glass case, other big name Spanish artists such as Miro and Tàpies are represented but with very much lesser works. The fun part of the collection are the installations, playful and inventive.
The new building covers 3 floors on a steep hillside so there are a lot of stairs which have been made quite a feature, the architecture is light and airy with masses of space around the exhibits. There is an outside space with a few outdoor installations and a good view of the back of the 19th century house which housed the collection until the new wing was built, it's now used for temporary exhibitions.
Calle Pizarro, 8
10003 Cáceres
Cáceres, Extremadura
Telephone+34 927626414
E-mailgeneral@fundacionhelgadealvear.es
Websitehttp://fundacionhelgadealvear.es
Practical information
Timetables
Jun 01 to Sep 30
Tuesday to Saturday
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Public holidays and Sundays
10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Oct 01 to May 31
Tuesday to Saturday
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Public holidays and Sundays
10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Closing days: Monday
Rates
Free admission
Services
Cloakroom service
Shop
Guided tours
Accessibility
Guide dogs permitted
Lift
Disabled toilets
Ramps
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